German liberal chief Lindner says chances of coalition are ’50-50′

German Free Democrat (FDP) leader Christian Lindner said the chances of forming a coalition with Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Greens are "50-50."

The three political groups are currently in the midst of exploratory talks before formal coalition negotiations and are expected to ultimately form a new government together after September's election.

Lindner said in an interview with the Rheinische Post published Tuesday that his party had the "biggest differences with the Greens," arguing that the environmentalist party should compromise on migration and refugee issues.

“Germany is at its limits in terms of what the majority are ready to provide in humanitarian aid," Lindner said.

“In the first phase, we haven’t come close to solutions for conflicts,” Lindner said of the exploratory talks. “Therefore, I still see the chances for [a coalition] at 50-50.”

The FDP and Greens are also at odds over the coveted role of finance minister. The liberals have expressed interest in the position, but last week Green party leader Simone Peter said the FDP should “not assume that the finance ministry is set for them.”